Absolutely Anything Else

SimCityAT wrote:

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

Just saw something about the UK putting in a travel ban until at least July.
It's getting crazy again.

You mean this law?

Austria only just lifted the travel ban from the UK but the country is still closed for tourists. To be quite honest people should quit travelling unless it is essential travel.

That looks pretty extreme to me.  People are becoming resistant to these measures and there will be some civil strife.  I can see it turning into major street protests.  It's a perfect storm of the new Policing bill and these new COVID regulations.

I heard on LBC that they are considering the whole of Europe as a red zone.  It's really dire.

I hope the link helps but who knows.
These are some crazy times for many people.
I'm just blessed that we are "older" and the gov. for now at least is taking care of us  with our SS.
Who knows they may cancel that too one of these days.

fluffy2560 wrote:

SimCityAT wrote:

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

Just saw something about the UK putting in a travel ban until at least July.
It's getting crazy again.

You mean this law?

Austria only just lifted the travel ban from the UK but the country is still closed for tourists. To be quite honest people should quit travelling unless it is essential travel.

That looks pretty extreme to me.  People are becoming resistant to these measures and there will be some civil strife.  I can see it turning into major street protests.  It's a perfect storm of the new Policing bill and these new COVID regulations.

I heard on LBC that they are considering the whole of Europe as a red zone.  It's really dire.

I am just getting quite sick and bored of it all, I understand people frustration of it all, but gathering in 1000's without masks and no social distancing isn't going to help anyone.

Well, they are working on my road at quite a speed.



Today they are doing the Fibre Optic cable

Nice quiet little town.
Must be interesting to be an ex-pat and live in a village?
My father was born in a village in Poland that has only a population of 150.
We drove there and used someones driveway to turn around. They were looking at us as if we had just landed from Mars.
All good, I was so glad to finally find the place that I only had good vibes about all of it.
A group of western women running around the graveyards must of been the talk of the town.
Perhaps my distant cousin who has a nice B&B on the lake is actually the talk of the town.
He and his Spanish husband run the place and they advertize to the gay community, even had a shuttle bus to pick up groups from Budapest.I'm sure they rock the boat in such a conservative place.
Not much there but wooden churches every few blocks and tons of graveyards.
We noticed on our city walk about that here and there they are digging up pavement and fixing things up while shops and businesses are closed down. Hope that is a good sign that there is a brighter future of they are perhaps just trying to get their hands on a few EU Bobs before smeone else gets them?

If you ignore the claims about King Athelstan living here, our village in the UK was originally made up of 5 farms; then they discovered coal and it became a mining village.  Now, many years later, the pit has gone and the last farmer just sold up, so I suspect that last corner will now be built on.  The population now is over 10,000; when we first moved here 25 years ago, most of the village could claim some kind of link to the original 5 families; nowadays it's a bit full.

We are in wine country and we have a few farms on our road. We have 9 Wine Taverns in our town. I thnk we have lost a couple that opened to the public due to COVID though. It is quite small population of 8,000 but it suits us. We have a train station that goes all the main stations so can get to anywhere with only 1 change.

My home town had less then 60,000 in 1972.
We thought we lived in the countryside.
I am always thinking about moving to a small town but then I think it might be to small and we'd hate it.

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

My home town had less then 60,000 in 1972.
We thought we lived in the countryside.
I am always thinking about moving to a small town but then I think it might be to small and we'd hate it.

It caters for all our needs and totally love it, we have a huge park with a wood to go for walks which suits us just fine. Very safe, the only crime I can think of is a triple murder a couple of years ago. The father killed his 2 children and wife in the family home. He got sentenced to life in a mental institute.

As I said, we are far enough from city life but still close enough to travel to them for events etc.. and travel anywhere.

SimCityAT wrote:

....
It caters for all our needs and totally love it, we have a huge park with a wood to go for walks which suits us just fine. Very safe, the only crime I can think of is a triple murder a couple of years ago. The father killed his 2 children and wife in the family home. He got sentenced to life in a mental institute.
...

That's a really serious crime.  Like nothing else happens and then a really extreme crime to make up for all the non-crime previously.  Rather have a grizzly giant crime all at once than small ones. 

Bit like Fritzl - nothing happens and then you realise there's a monster living in your town. We went to look at Amstetten once enroute to somewhere else.  This was before Fritzl was discovered there and it really is quiet apart from twitchy curtains.

We had a crime the other day in our street. Someone stole a few of our neighbours gardening tools she left in her unlocked shed.  She came around to see if we had footage from our security cameras but we didn't because our cameras look at our house and not hers.  Round here it almost seems like crime of the century.

SimCityAT wrote:

Well, they are working on my road at quite a speed.

[img align=C]https://scontent.fvie1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/166677521_10158887742862279_5729073963787935334_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=0debeb&_nc_ohc=EiwsVp1sCH8AX-kfO0p&_nc_ht=scontent.fvie1-1.fna&oh=bc40cb3e061322ecd0419d57c5cc50bc&oe=608A17A4[/url]

Today they are doing the Fibre Optic cable

[img align=C]https://scontent.fvie1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/167526637_10158889849447279_6955528549363879211_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=0debeb&_nc_ohc=RHW4PlGanxEAX8QdjOB&_nc_ht=scontent.fvie1-1.fna&oh=2f9a03b5162799fdb84abd93079c4517&oe=6087C20C[/url]

[img align=C]https://scontent.fvie1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/166593738_10158889849257279_6621932987247672264_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=0debeb&_nc_ohc=Ac7KJwBR86kAX-jonmB&_nc_ht=scontent.fvie1-1.fna&oh=ebc7852c4208888a9f35052b4b392baf&oe=6086EF79[/url]

But are they actually doing anything?? Doesn't look very busy there.  Maybe they are all drinking palinka in one of those mobile huts they have.  If that spade was left like that it some places, someone would have had it away.

fluffy2560 wrote:

But are they actually doing anything?? Doesn't look very busy there.  Maybe they are all drinking palinka in one of those mobile huts they have.  If that spade was left like that it some places, someone would have had it away.

I took the pictures on their lunch break. But believe me, just walking up the road was a nightmare dodging the trucks etc...

SimCityAT wrote:

fluffy2560 wrote:

But are they actually doing anything?? Doesn't look very busy there.  Maybe they are all drinking palinka in one of those mobile huts they have.  If that spade was left like that it some places, someone would have had it away.

I took the pictures on their lunch break. But believe me, just walking up the road was a nightmare dodging the trucks etc...

I bet they don't work on Sundays.

No, but have worked on Saturday. I guess they are bored as nothing is nothing to do.

I really don't know why I listen to LBC radio because some of the posts and people that tweet just make you think what planet they are on. Even the presenters are questionable.

Caller: As we have left the EU, shouldn't have we have left the Euro Millions

Presenter: Good question, I really really don't know.

The same question with the Eurovision Song Contest

SimCityAT wrote:

I really don't know why I listen to LBC radio because some of the posts and people that tweet just make you think what planet they are on. Even the presenters are questionable.

Caller: As we have left the EU, shouldn't have we have left the Euro Millions

Presenter: Good question, I really really don't know.

The same question with the Eurovision Song Contest

These are important questions - if only the caller had spent 5 minutes Googling the answer.   It's like the same question as why Australia or Israel is in Eurovision.  I have been known to watch it!   As for the lottery, meh, not here.  I should be in a UK consortium for it but really it's not worth it - Premium Bonds a better bet really.

Some of the LBC presenters are very dodgy, even inflammatory.  I've got some strong opinions on LBC.   

James O'Brien comes over as a vague Marxist and Nick Ferrari seems to be bordering  on right wing extremism.  The latter is terribly aggressive when pushing some guests but lets the politicians off lightly - knows which side his bread is buttered.   

One has to admire sometimes the way they can dismantle callers arguments but it's like bringing a feather duster to a knife fight.  You can hear the change in their voices as they shift up a gear and get the verbal cudgels out.   I wouldn't want to face them.  I mean, don't go in guns blazing and putting people on the spot if they've volunteered their time and energy to be an expert contributor.  Quite often it's not their fault whatever the controversy Ferrari is going on about!

I do like that LBC contributors phone in from all over the world including here.   What I do now is dip in and out.  I am quite a fan of mystery hour on Thursdays though - 13h CET - with James OB.   I allocate time to that - usually lunch time.

Some presenters are really rubbish - I cannot stand Tom Swarbrick for his OTT "I've got the news of the century" type approach. His self-importance knows no bounds and his voice grinds. Ian Payne sounds completely gormless  when he pretends he doesn't have an opinion.  He cannot be that thick. 

Maajid Narwaz is not bad and I listen to him if I'm doing something like working in the shed or cooking.  Interesting given his history in the more extremist end of political Islam, he's remarkably popular across the range of listeners.

Nick Abbott is great but he's on at the wrong time for me. Either I'm asleep or doing something else at that time. Sometimes I can listen to him.

For those that don't know, LBC is a radio station in the UK. It's popular for expats because it's an alternative to BBC Radio 4.

I should point out that LBC is not a news broadcaster, they are "Opinion Radio"

You do have alternatives:

Times Radio
Talk Radio
GB News Radio - link to its wiki page, it launches later this year

Nowadays, I just listen to:

Gold Radio - no talking.

Cynic wrote:

I should point out that LBC is not a news broadcaster, they are "Opinion Radio"

You do have alternatives:

Times Radio
Talk Radio
GB News Radio - link to its wiki page, it launches later this year

Nowadays, I just listen to:

Gold Radio - no talking.

Never heard of Opinion Radio.   But I do remember the saying that opinions are like sphincters - everyone's got one.  An oldie but a goldie.

I cannot stand Andrew Neill although I liked Portilio and Abbott on the couch with him.

But I won't be listening to GB News Radio.  Just another blah-blah station with endlessly repeating non-news.

Oh , how I long for the simple days of the Dr. Demento radio show of even The Poorman.

I rely completely on the internet for radio stations. I wish it wasnt the case because the internet signal in the countryside can be very sporadic. However, I do download some podcasts to listen to when i am out of town usually English speaking or non stop music

fluffy2560 wrote:

Never heard of Opinion Radio.   But I do remember the saying that opinions are like sphincters - everyone's got one.

Opinion radio = they make no pretence of being a news station; apart from the news broadcasts at the top of the hour, what you get is purely the presenter's opinion on current events; so they get their seat for the entertainment value, not whether what they say bears any resemblance to reality or is a balanced view.  When I did my course at the BBC many years ago, it was drummed into us from day 1, minute 1, entertainment, followed by entertainment, then when you run out of that, more entertainment.  LBC seem to have swallowed that by the gallon (or litre for our EU friends).

Cynic wrote:

fluffy2560 wrote:

Never heard of Opinion Radio.   But I do remember the saying that opinions are like sphincters - everyone's got one.

Opinion radio = they make no pretence of being a news station; apart from the news broadcasts at the top of the hour, what you get is purely the presenter's opinion on current events; so they get their seat for the entertainment value, not whether what they say bears any resemblance to reality or is a balanced view.  When I did my course at the BBC many years ago, it was drummed into us from day 1, minute 1, entertainment, followed by entertainment, then when you run out of that, more entertainment.  LBC seem to have swallowed that by the gallon (or litre for our EU friends).

I used to listen to Radio 4 but I got bored with it.  At least it doesn't have adverts.  If only those could be blocked.  They are incredibly repetitive - talk about banging it into your head.

I can see what they do at LBC - it's like theme of the day and all the presenters take calls on that subject interspersed with guests.  Yes, lots of sphincter flexing opinions and self-promotion but it's part of the territory.  But some of the subject matter is just rubbish - they were on about Meghan Sparkle all day - who the hell REALLY cares about her?   Then again, some of the COVID coverage is quite good - the experts are knowledgeable and well respected.

On balance, it's not that bad really.  I must say when some presenters who I dislike are on, I have started to dip back into Radio 4.  Just cannot handle the patronisingly fake enthusiasm of Tom "I'm the man and deserve my own show" Swarbrick.    About him - it's a No from me.

SimCityAT wrote:

[img align=C]https://scontent.fvie1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/167658761_10159597799184974_7207165147526769605_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=825194&_nc_ohc=SCmANa19eO4AX_DfUJD&_nc_ht=scontent.fvie1-1.fna&oh=e4389d09c88c912f8e5e4983a8c5d20f&oe=608C5D92[/url]

Looks like groups D and F are the ones to watch - England and Hungary.

Also saw shock North Macedonia win over Germany in the World Cup qualifier.

Matter of interest for those who like the country side, here's a potential walk in the hills within reasonable reach of Budapest - 30 mins away.

We went doggy walking to the fake Egri Var at Pilisborosjenő (in HU). Park at the Lavendula car park and walk - it's about 2km. There's also the Camel's Rock ( Teve sziklá) to look at.  Round trip, maybe 4.5km total and about 2h. Alternate route is about 9km - click here (in HU) - if it's hot, take 1-2 litres of water at least.

It was mobbed due to the public holiday.   Lots of people. The majority of visitors were NOT wearing masks.

We stolled by the river and on Vaci Utca yesterday.
Weather was nice.
It was rather dead, shops closed and only a couple of places open for take out.
I was able to do what I like the most, window shop without worry about looking like a homeless person looking in.
Lots of construction going on and many new projects happening.
Holidays over, time to think about a diet, for my husband, he is thinking of fasting for a week, not so sure if that's the best idea or not but a couple oof days can't hurt anyone.
I tried a colonic cleanse  months ago.
Felt great, maybe he should go that route?
Too much sugar intact and refinded flours.
Good way to practice for the upcoming famine at least.

If I get an answer soon it would be great.
The great, "To tip or not to tip" debate is happening .
I'm off later to get my crown reglued by the district dentist.
I heard it is no illegal to give tips for medical services with Taj.
My husband wants to give a tip, I said no, don't need trouble.
Does anyone know if it really is illegal as I've heard it was?
Thought they changed aound early Jan. to make it a crime to tip or recieve tips?

As for tips I do not know, but as for eg dentists there are quite some "commercial" dentists and they of course would like to receive a tip. As for normal doctors, i tend to deal with things through the phone but if leaving something for doctor and/or secretary I do not hear any complaints.
I believe the tipping ban was delayed from Jan until march but should be in place right now. Still if you accidentally leave something not too many will complain, but if they suspect you could report it could have a reverse effect. (I would think it very much depends on your relationship with your doctor/dentist).
Tips for doctors are not allowed, but I did not hear about giving something to secretaries/assistants (will be the same if you indicate to the doctor you left something with the assistant (they have to work it out themselves)). Anyhow I strongly believe and acted that assistants should receive something.

Thanks leaving soon. I'll reconsider things...

Well, arrived at my appointed time to the dentist.
My husband always comes with me to these things but today he walked me there but said I can go in alone. He wasn't in the mood to sit in the waiting area.
All good, even brought 5,000 tip money with me, if he came it would of been 10,000 but I'm a cheapskate at times.
Anyways, the dentist wasn't there, I was given anther apointment for tomorrow.
What a hassle I was as nervous as a child too.
The assitant is nice but doesn't speak a word of English so it was all show and tell.
I had a feeling things would fall apart today, just my crazy 6th sense kicking in.
My husband needed a refill on some common drug he takes.
Well, the entire country seems to have run out of that brand . We went to 4 different pharmas loooking for his brand but in the end had to get a subsitute brand.
The stortages have started....
I noticed at the last pharma my husband had a wad of cash in his hand. The place is near our flat so I tried not to bother him about putting it away before stepping out to the st. like i usually bug him about.
Some guy was about 12 feet behind us then in a second he was just about 3 feet away. I stopped , jumped and turned like a "weirdo" the guy had a guilty look on his face and walked on. Sometimes my 6th sense is a blessing. Just knew today was going to have some mix ups.
I just wonder where that 6th sense is when I am buying a lotto ticket?
I can feel out evil in the air like nothing so guess that is a good thing even if it doesn't add to my bank account.

Finally had my crown reglued in yesterday at the dental clinic.
Looks like I did a round with Mike Tyson.
Not sure why but my lower lip and chin are purple!
A bit rough work I'd say.
I have now experienced 2 times going to a dentist here and getting beat up for it.
Now I am glad we must wear a mask!

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

Finally had my crown reglued in yesterday at the dental clinic.
Looks like I did a round with Mike Tyson.
Not sure why but my lower lip and chin are purple!
A bit rough work I'd say.
I have now experienced 2 times going to a dentist here and getting beat up for it.
Now I am glad we must wear a mask!

Awe - as they say in Dutch "kuss op"

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

Finally had my crown reglued in yesterday at the dental clinic.
Looks like I did a round with Mike Tyson.
Not sure why but my lower lip and chin are purple!
A bit rough work I'd say.
I have now experienced 2 times going to a dentist here and getting beat up for it.
Now I am glad we must wear a mask!

Injection perhaps? Surely just a bit of a clean up, some "blue" to check the bite and then the final placement.

I'm always amazed dental glue is capable of sticking stuff in position for years.  Its such a seemingly hostile environment in someone's mouth - wet, dry, hot, cold, pressure and tension.

fluffy2560 wrote:

Marilyn Tassy wrote:

Finally had my crown reglued in yesterday at the dental clinic.
Looks like I did a round with Mike Tyson.
Not sure why but my lower lip and chin are purple!
A bit rough work I'd say.
I have now experienced 2 times going to a dentist here and getting beat up for it.
Now I am glad we must wear a mask!

Injection perhaps? Surely just a bit of a clean up, some "blue" to check the bite and then the final placement.

I'm always amazed dental glue is capable of sticking stuff in position for years.  Its such a seemingly hostile environment in someone's mouth - wet, dry, hot, cold, pressure and tension.

LOL - I know our local dentist; I'm almost afraid to ask him.

Cynic wrote:

....
LOL - I know our local dentist; I'm almost afraid to ask him.

Dental alchemy.  Probably won't tell you unless you know the special dentist handshake, password and reading of dental runes.

Meanwhile it's a whole other world - Dental Cement.

Yes, she got a bit rough with the old pick or she twisted my lip between her fingers somehow.
My husband usually comes with me to any medical appointment but he told me to go alone and he just waited in the park for me.
He hates sitting in a nasty room with sick people.( Can't blame him. he sat for hours on end while I had my eye exams)
I don't blame him, in the US I  almost always go alone to doctors.
I even had major surgery at age 40 with my husband doing a ,"drop off' at the hospital doors before he drove off to work.'He didn't bother to get the day off to be with me.
All good, I am OK without upsetting other people with my problems, even family.
I usually never speak or mention any medical issues to anyone until the dust has cleared.
Still, WTH is so hard about reglueing a tooth? My husband took a photo today just in case we ever need proof.
Lucky me, I can start a photo album of medical misdeeds, my knee, my shoulder and my face!
I'm glad I have a sense of humor otherwise I'd be very upset which I am not.
In the US I'd be making bank by now with a law suit!

From: https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 16#5086087

I see Prince Harry has arrived back in the UK and is in isolation ready for the funeral.  Imagine how happy that family meeting is going to be at the end of the week.   I wonder where he's going to sit - on his own at the back perhaps.

Meghan (not Megan, her spelling) is not with him - on the grounds of having a bun in the oven.  Sounds plausible but not sure how far along she is.

fluffy2560 wrote:

From: https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 16#5086087

I see Prince Harry has arrived back in the UK and is in isolation ready for the funeral.  Imagine how happy that family meeting is going to be at the end of the week.   I wonder where he's going to sit - on his own at the back perhaps.

Meghan (not Megan, her spelling) is not with him - on the grounds of having a bun in the oven.  Sounds plausible but not sure how far along she is.

In isolation, but staying on the Kensington Estate where his brother lives; who knows?

fluffy2560 wrote:

From: https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 16#5086087

I see Prince Harry has arrived back in the UK and is in isolation ready for the funeral.  Imagine how happy that family meeting is going to be at the end of the week.   I wonder where he's going to sit - on his own at the back perhaps.

Meghan (not Megan, her spelling) is not with him - on the grounds of having a bun in the oven.  Sounds plausible but not sure how far along she is.

Her first name is Rachel